Subdivision of injured area for Schatzker IV tibial plateau fracture repair: A report of 12 cases

Treatment of Schatzker IV tibial plateau fractures is challenging due to the wide variety of potential fracture morphologies and injury to multiple ligaments. Subdivision of the injured area into three zones may simplify the preoperative plan. In this study, we reported 12 cases of Schatzker IV tibial plateau fracture that were treated with pre-operative plans based on a new subdivision of the injured area. From January 2012 to April 2016, 12 patients with a Schatzker IV tibial plateau fracture were treated in our hospital with preoperative plans guided by the new sub-division method. Clinical and radiological results were evaluated during follow-up. In all cases, the incisions healed without skin necrosis, and the average Lysholm knee score was 73 points (range, 53–90) at the final follow-up. Sub-division of the injured area represented a useful strategy for preoperative surgical planning in the treatment of Schatzker IV tibial plateau fractures.